Melbourne Heart FC defender Michael Marrone has revealed his faith in the Club’s long term direction was a key factor in his decision to re-sign with the Red and White.
Melbourne Heart FC defender Michael Marrone has revealed his faith in the Club-s long term direction was a key factor in his decision to re-sign with the Red and White.
Having been the subject of formal interest from three Hyundai A-League clubs, Marrone ultimately resisted their approaches in favour of remaining in Melbourne, extending his stint with Heart until 2014.
“I-m very happy. It-s a good club to be a part of, and I think they have the right direction in the way they go about things, so I-m happy to continue on with the Club,” he said.
Following a highly publicised trial with Italian Serie A side Cagliari last year, expectations were abound Marrone would opt to try his luck abroad at the end of his existing deal with Heart.
But Marrone says he needs to maintain his form, which has seen the 25-year old solidify his status as arguably the leading right back in the competition, before once again contemplating a stint overseas.
“I think for me to be able to go overseas, or for anyone, I think you have to be playing at a fairly high level in the A-League, so I think it-s about playing well for the team, and we-ll take it from there,” he said.
With Assistant Coach Ante Milicic describing Friday night-s match with Gold Coast United as ‘must-win-, the Heart squad is well and truly aware of the criticality of claiming a positive result over Miron Bleiberg-s side.
Despite Gold Coast-s ladder position, Marrone says Heart won-t underestimate Queensland side, which has impressed this season with its glittering array of youngsters.
“Last year, we were sitting second, and had put ourselves in a very good position,” he said.
“We haven-t won this year, but we still find ourselves in sixth, which is the only positive you can take from it. It-s a massive game, they-re bottom of the ladder, but every team in this league is hard to beat.
“I think it-s very, very important to get these three points, especially at home, if we want to be a contender during the finals.”
